 The goods: As always, Amanda will be committed to running the ball. The Aces have a veteran group of linemen returning. Landrum will take over at quarterback. Amanda should improve significantly over 2012, when it equaled its worst record since 1978. The roster, which shrank to 36 players because of increased participation fees in 2012, is being fortified again.

 The goods: After a 2-5 start, the Bulldogs finished strong and earned a playoff spot. They have a nice pitch-catch combination in Milliser (810 yards passing, eight TD) and Sorg (37 receptions, 794 yards, 11 TDs). The offensive and defensive lines are stout. Garris made 9 of 12 field-goal attempts and scored 51 points. The defense returns only four starters and has little game experience. Mauro has won everywhere he has coached.

 The goods: The return of 11 starters, led by first-team all-Southeast District choices Burroughs, Brooks and Shull, bodes well for Circleville, which is regarded as one of several contenders in this balanced league. Burroughs, a three-sport standout, ran for 1,272 yards and passed for 736 in 2012.

 The goods: With 14 starters returning, Fairfield Union  5-25 in the past three seasons  should turn its fortunes around. The offensive and defensive lines are well-stocked. The backfield, which rushed for 215 yards per game in 2012, has experience. Although the Falcons lack team speed and depth at certain positions, Bahen is encouraged by the Falcons work ethic and senior leadership.

 The goods: The Rangers have ample talent among their 15 returning starters. Crum, who can play a number of positions, has committed to Louisville. Hall-Williams, who totaled 697 yards receiving and 656 yards rushing and scored 15 TDs, is a dangerous dual threat. Bridges and Wellman also made first-team all-MSL. Hillerichs primary concern is developing a playmaking quarterback to operate his spread offense.

 The goods: Despite being the smallest school, Liberty Union agreed to join the Buckeye Division. It should offer more of a challenge for the Lions, who have recorded eight winning seasons in a row. Plenty of impact players return: Basso (1,683 yards rushing, 17 TDs), Vannatta (1,135 yards passing), Barber (177 tackles, 12 for losses), Makuch (85 tackles, six interceptions) and Magley (67 tackles, five interceptions). Johnson is concerned about a lack of big bodies.

 The goods: The Braves have made the playoffs three of the past five seasons, but they will face a stiffer challenge in their region due to the OHSAA adding another division. Tyler, who set a school record for passing yards (1,682, 14 TDs), operates a spread offense. Fourth-year starter Heeter (2,462 yards) is approaching the schools career rushing mark.

 The goods: The Vikings have good size on the lines and plenty of depth at the skill positions. Primmer (38 receptions, 489 yards, seven TDs) is a big target. He will have an inexperienced, unproven quarterback throwing to him, however. Seymour led the defense with 54 tackles, 13 for loss. A young secondary is a work in progress.